Medford water birth center closing

waterbirthMedford, Ore. — Changes to the Oregon Health Plan are making it more difficult for women to be covered for out-of-hospital births, and that’s forcing one Rogue Valley water birth center to close.

Augustine Colebrook opened Trillium Waterbirth Center in 2010 and has delivered around 400 babies since. But proposed changes for out-of-hospital births by the Oregon Health Evidence Review Commission has made it difficult for her clients to be covered under OHP.

“The new guidelines that they’re using to determine reimbursement are highly restrictive,” Augustine Colebrook says, “and not at all in line with the scope of care that I have in my license or that the birth center has in it’s license.”

Expecting mother Charlene Dubeau says, “We’re all really disappointed and just sad that this location has to close.”

Augustine will see 3 more clients before officially closing her Medford location, all other clients will be seen at her other center in Grants Pass.

The Trillium Waterbirth Center on Crater Lake Avenue is hosting an event on November 21st, where people can submit letters to lawmakers about the changes, and film video messages about their experience with midwifery. It begins at noon. All past and current clients, as well as the public are invited.

 

 

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